Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars Match Player Stats
When the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars meet, it’s rarely just another game. Their rivalry, spanning decades, is a testament to grit, tactical play, and a history filled with evenly matched showdowns. Their August 10, 2025 preseason encounter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida was no different. With 58,316 fans in attendance, both teams displayed a mix of established leadership and emerging talent.
The Steelers edged the Jaguars 31–25, in a tightly contested match that gave coaches plenty to evaluate ahead of regular-season rosters. Despite being a preseason game, it carried the intensity of a meaningful competition. Both teams kept the game clean with zero turnovers, and while execution wasn’t flawless, it was certainly promising.
Let’s break down the full performance through player stats, team metrics, and historical context.
How Did Each Team Perform Quarter by Quarter?
The scoreline reveals the competitive rhythm of the game. Each quarter saw calculated offensive pushes, defensive responses, and crucial time-of-possession strategies.
Scoring by Quarter
| Quarter | Pittsburgh Steelers | Jacksonville Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | 3 |
| 2nd | 7 | 6 |
| 3rd | 7 | 6 |
| 4th | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 31 | 25 |
The Steelers maintained steady scoring in all four quarters, reflecting offensive consistency. The Jaguars, despite starting slowly, fought back to remain within reach, particularly in the fourth quarter, where both teams scored 10 points each.
Who Were the Game Leaders on Both Sides?
Both teams gave opportunities to backup quarterbacks and emerging players. The standout among them was Skylar Thompson, who impressed with his accuracy and composure.
Game Leaders – Player Performance
| Category | Steelers – Player | Jaguars – Player |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Skylar Thompson: 20/28, 233 yds, 3 TD | Nick Mullens: 11/18, 89 yds, 1 TD |
| Rushing | Lew Nichols: 6 CAR, 31 yds | Bhayshul Tuten: 6 CAR, 24 yds, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Ke’Shawn Williams: 2 REC, 55 yds, 1 TD | Trenton Irwin: 4 REC, 48 yds, 1 TD |
Thompson’s precision and rhythm with his receivers gave Pittsburgh the edge. Mullens showed control but had limited downfield attempts. Running backs from both teams managed modest yards, with Tuten’s touchdown providing a spark for Jacksonville.
How Did the Quarterbacks Stack Up?
Quarterback play often defines a game’s tempo, and this contest was no different. While both sides relied on backup signal-callers, the performances were telling.
Quarterback Comparison
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylar Thompson | 20 | 28 | 71.4% | 233 | 3 | 0 |
| Nick Mullens | 11 | 18 | 61.1% | 89 | 1 | 0 |
Thompson’s ability to read defensive coverage and stay poised in the pocket helped him deliver three scoring throws. Mullens was effective in short-yardage plays but rarely threatened deep downfield. The difference in yardage and completion rate reflected Pittsburgh’s offensive strategy to move the chains consistently.
What Impact Did the Running Game Have?
While neither team dominated on the ground, both offensive coordinators tested run plays enough to keep defenses honest. This allowed their passing games to operate with slightly more freedom.
Running Back Stats
| Player | Team | Attempts | Rushing Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lew Nichols | Steelers | 6 | 31 | 5.2 | 0 |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jaguars | 6 | 24 | 4.0 | 1 |
Nichols showed better efficiency in open space but was rarely used near the red zone. Tuten, however, made his mark where it mattered, finishing one of Jacksonville’s key drives with a touchdown.
How Did Receivers Contribute to Scoring Drives?
Explosive plays were rare, but receivers made key catches in critical moments. Whether stretching the field or finding soft spots in the zone, both receiving corps showed signs of promise.
Receiving Summary
| Player | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ke’Shawn Williams | Steelers | 2 | 55 | 27.5 | 1 |
| Trenton Irwin | Jaguars | 4 | 48 | 12.0 | 1 |
Williams’s high average per catch came from a deep ball touchdown, while Irwin worked underneath and across the middle to help sustain drives.
What Did the Defensive Numbers Tell Us?
While the offense generated the headlines, defense played a pivotal role in controlling momentum. Several players stood out for their tackling efficiency and pressure on the quarterback.
Defensive Performance
| Player | Team | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson Bruener | Steelers | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| De’Antre Prince | Jaguars | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Dawuane Smoot | Jaguars | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Bruener anchored the Steelers’ defense with multiple drive-stopping tackles. Smoot was the only player to record a sack in the game, highlighting Jacksonville’s edge rush capability.
How Did the Teams Compare in Key Game Metrics?
Looking beyond individual performances, the full-team statistics revealed just how evenly matched these two franchises were in execution.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Steelers | Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
| Total Offensive Yards | 367 | 339 |
| First Downs | 25 | 21 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties | 6 for 60 yds | 8 for 49 yds |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 8/13 (61.5%) | 3/10 (30%) |
| 4th Down Efficiency | 0/1 (0%) | 1/1 (100%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/4 (75%) | 2/3 (66.7%) |
| Time of Possession | 30:44 | 29:16 |
Pittsburgh’s superior third-down execution proved to be one of the decisive factors. The Jaguars struggled to stay on the field during drives, which ultimately led to their deficit.
How Has This Rivalry Played Out Historically?
The Steelers and Jaguars have clashed 26 times since 1995. The all-time series is remarkably even, with 13 wins each. What makes this rivalry intriguing is the consistency with which both teams challenge one another regardless of their season form.
All-Time Series Summary
| Metric | Steelers | Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 13 | 13 |
| Total Points Scored | 8046 | 7500 |
| Average Points/Game | 309.5 | 288.5 |
| Average First Downs | 18.0 | 17.3 |
Notable games in this rivalry include Jacksonville’s 30–9 upset in 2017 and Pittsburgh’s 27–3 rout in 2020. The scorelines may fluctuate, but the intensity rarely does.
What’s the Takeaway from This Preseason Match?
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars match player stats reveal a well-executed game where both sides protected the ball, managed drives, and tested depth across their rosters. While the Steelers walked away with the win, the Jaguars showed promising signs, especially in red zone performance and defensive pressure.
Preseason results may not count in the standings, but they matter in preparation. Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will be pleased with Thompson’s command, while Jacksonville can find confidence in Tuten’s potential and the stability of their defensive secondary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the highest quarterback rating in the game?
Skylar Thompson had the highest quarterback rating, finishing with 3 touchdown passes and a completion rate over 70%.
Did either team commit any turnovers?
No. Both teams played a turnover-free game, which is rare and highlights disciplined execution.
Which player had the longest reception of the game?
Ke’Shawn Williams had the longest catch, a 40+ yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
How evenly matched are the Steelers and Jaguars historically?
The rivalry is tied at 13 wins each, with an almost equal point differential over 26 games.
What was the Jaguars’ third-down conversion rate?
Jacksonville converted just 3 out of 10 third downs (30%), which hindered sustained drives.
Were there any notable defensive players?
Carson Bruener led all defenders with 7 tackles for the Steelers, while Dawuane Smoot recorded the only sack of the game.
When is the next time these teams meet?
As of the current schedule, the Steelers and Jaguars are not set to meet in the regular season but could meet again in the playoffs or future seasons.
